JP6496618B2 - Input device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device that detects an input signal corresponding to a rotation operation.

  Conventionally, various input devices for detecting a rotation operation angle have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a rotary input device that detects a rotation operation input signal using a change in capacitance between electrodes. The input device of Patent Document 1 detects only a physical rotation operation.

JP 2014-2080 A

  By the way, in this type of input device, there is a demand for detecting a pressing operation in addition to a physical rotation operation. If a mechanical switch mechanism is used for detecting this pressing operation, the number of mechanical parts increases, the structure becomes complicated, and the thickness of the apparatus increases, which is disadvantageous for making the device thinner.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an input device capable of detecting a rotation operation and a pressing operation with a simple configuration that does not use a mechanical switch mechanism.

An input device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a base, a rotation operation unit rotatably held on the base, a fixed electrode provided on the base, and the rotation operation unit. A movable electrode in which the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the fixed electrode and the fixed electrode changes with the rotation of the operation unit; a detection signal generation unit that generates a detection signal according to the capacitance of the capacitor; A rotation information processing unit that performs processing for acquiring information related to rotation of the rotation operation unit based on a detection signal, and the rotation operation unit and the rotation operation unit when the rotation operation unit is pressed toward the base When the distance to the base changes and the pressure is released, the distance returns to before the press, and when the distance between the rotation operation unit and the base changes due to the press, the distance between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode Changes and the detection by the pressing Based on the change in the item, having a pressing processing unit that performs the rotation operation portion processing for acquiring information relating to the pressing of.
According to said structure, when the said rotation operation part is pressed toward the said base, the distance of the said rotation operation part and the said base will change by the said press, and the said fixed electrode and the said movable electrode Since the distance changes, and thereby the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode changes, the detection signal changes. In addition, when the pressing against the rotation operation unit is released, the distance between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode returns to before the pressing, so the detection signal changed by the pressing returns to before the pressing. That is, the detection signal changes according to the presence or absence of pressing. The pressing information processing unit performs processing for acquiring information related to the pressing of the rotation operation unit based on a change in the detection signal due to the pressing. Therefore, it is possible to acquire information related to the pressing of the rotation operation unit without providing additional parts such as a switch mechanism.

Before SL pressing information processing unit, on the basis of the rotational information which the rotation processing unit in the pressing period until when it is determined the completion of the pressing is obtained from the time of determining the start of the press, in the press period the rotation operating unit to the calculated amount of change the rotation angle, when the amount of change rotation angle the calculated is smaller than a predetermined angle, it is determined that the rotation operating part pressing operation in a state where the rotation is stopped in were made.
According to said structure, it becomes possible to discriminate | determine intentional pressing operation in the state which rotation of the said rotation operation part stopped, and operation other than that.

Suitably, the said rotation operation part and the said base may each have a plane part perpendicular | vertical to the axial direction of rotation of the said rotation operation part. When the rotation operation unit is pressed toward the base in a direction parallel to the axial direction, the distance between the plane part of the rotation operation unit and the plane part of the base changes, and the pressing is performed. When released, the distance between the planar portions may return before the pressing. The fixed electrode may be provided on the flat surface portion of the base, and the movable electrode may be provided on the flat surface portion of the rotation operation portion.
According to the above configuration, since the flat portion of the base on which the fixed electrode is provided and the flat portion of the rotational operation portion on which the movable electrode is provided are both perpendicular to the axial direction, Even if the plane part of the base and the plane part of the rotation operation part are brought close to each other, the rotation of the rotation operation part relative to the base is not hindered. That is, it is easy to reduce the thickness of the outer shape of the input device in the axial direction.
Further, by bringing the flat part of the base and the flat part of the rotation operation part close to each other, the distance between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode is shortened, and the capacitance of the capacitor is increased. That is, it is possible to increase the capacitance of the capacitor while reducing the outer shape.
Furthermore, since the area of the plane portion can be increased without hindering the reduction in thickness, the areas of the fixed electrode and the movable electrode can be increased. As a result, the capacitance of the capacitor can be further increased.
In addition, when the flat portion of the base and the flat portion of the rotation operation unit approach due to the thinning of the outer shape, the capacitance of the capacitor is reduced even if the distance between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode changes slightly. It will change greatly. That is, the detection signal changes with respect to the pressure. Therefore, the detection sensitivity of the press is improved.

Preferably, the input device may include at least one set of fixed electrode groups including a plurality of the fixed electrodes having different capacitances formed between the movable electrode and the capacitor. The detection signal generation unit may generate a group of the detection signals corresponding to a capacitance of a group of capacitors formed between the fixed electrode group and the movable electrode. The rotation information processing unit may acquire information related to the rotation based on the group of detection signals. The pressing information processing unit may calculate a sum of the detection signals of the group and acquire information related to the pressing based on the sum.
According to said structure, since the change of each said detection signal accompanying the said press is added by calculating the sum of the said group of detection signals, the calculation result of the said sum is large with the said press. Change appears. Therefore, based on the calculation result of the sum, information related to the pressing can be acquired with high sensitivity.

Preferably, the pressing information processing unit may determine the presence or absence of the pressing based on a result of comparing a sum of the group of detection signals with a predetermined threshold value.
According to said structure, the presence or absence of the said press is determined easily and accurately.

Preferably, when the rotation operation unit is pressed toward the base, at least one of the rotation operation unit and the base may be elastically deformed.
According to said structure, the distance of the plane part of the said base and the plane part of the said rotation operation part respond | corresponds to pressing force because at least one of the said rotation operation part and the said base elastically deforms by the said press. Thereby, the detection signal changes according to the pressing force. Therefore, it is possible to detect the pressing force on the rotation operation unit with a simple configuration.

An input device according to a second aspect of the present invention is a base, a rotation operation unit rotatably held on the base, a fixed electrode provided on the base, and the rotation operation unit. A movable electrode in which the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the fixed electrode and the fixed electrode changes with the rotation of the operation unit; a detection signal generation unit that generates a detection signal according to the capacitance of the capacitor; A rotation information processing unit that performs processing for acquiring information related to rotation of the rotation operation unit based on a detection signal, and the rotation operation unit and the rotation operation unit when the rotation operation unit is pressed toward the base When the distance to the base changes and the pressure is released, the distance returns to before the press, and when the distance between the rotation operation unit and the base changes due to the press, the distance between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode Changes and the detection by the pressing Based on the change in the item, having a pressing processing unit that performs the rotation operation portion processing for acquiring information relating to the pressing of. The rotation operation part and the base each have a flat part perpendicular to the axial direction of rotation of the rotation operation part. When the rotation operation unit is pressed toward the base in a direction parallel to the axial direction, the distance between the plane part of the rotation operation unit and the plane part of the base changes, and the pressing is performed. When released, the distance between the flat portions returns to before the pressing. The fixed electrode is provided on the flat surface portion of the base, and the movable electrode is provided on the flat surface portion of the rotation operation portion. The input device is provided adjacent to the N sets of fixed electrode groups on the base, and the N sets of fixed electrode groups arranged in a circle at regular intervals around the rotation axis of the rotation operation unit, a drive electrode formed in an annular shape around said rotation axis, to have a driving unit for supplying a drive voltage to the drive electrodes. The fixed electrode groups, including the K-number the fixed electrode of equally spaced arcuately about said rotary shaft. In the K fixed electrodes included in the fixed electrode group, an i-th fixed electrode (i represents an integer from 1 to K) in a predetermined circumferential direction around the rotation axis. when the i-th fixed electrode, between the N-number of the i-th fixed electrode and the movable electrode included in said N sets of the fixed electrode groups, a capacitor with a common capacitance Ru are formed respectively . The drive electrodes are divided into a plurality of partial driving electrodes, the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the movable electrode and the partial driving electrode, Ru constant der regardless of the rotation of the rotation operating part . The detection signal generation unit generates a first detection signal, second K detection signal corresponding to the first fixed electrode, second K fixed electrode. The i-th detection signal is a sum of charges accumulated in N capacitors formed between the N i-th fixed electrodes and the movable electrodes by supplying the drive voltage to the partial drive electrodes. Ru signal der according to the. The rotation information processing unit controls the driving unit to supply the driving voltage common to some or all of the plurality of partial driving electrodes, and the first information generated in response to the supply of the driving voltage. obtaining information relating to the rotated based on the detection signal to the K detection signal. The pressing information processing unit selects one partial drive electrode in order from the plurality of partial drive electrodes, controls the drive unit to supply the drive voltage to the selected partial drive electrode, and drives the drive The sum of the first detection signal to the Kth detection signal generated with the supply of voltage is calculated, and based on the sum, the one area on the base corresponding to the one partial drive electrode is calculated. to obtain information related to the press.
According to said structure, based on the said 1st detection signal thru | or the Kth detection signal produced | generated by supplying the said drive voltage common to some or all of these partial drive electrodes, the said rotation operation part Information related to the rotation of is acquired. Further, based on the sum of the first detection signal to the Kth detection signal generated by supplying the drive voltage to one partial drive electrode, one on the base corresponding to the one partial drive electrode. Information relating to the pressing on the area is acquired.

An input device according to a third aspect of the present invention is a base, a rotation operation unit rotatably held on the base, a fixed electrode provided on the base, and the rotation operation unit. A movable electrode in which the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the fixed electrode and the fixed electrode changes with the rotation of the operation unit; a detection signal generation unit that generates a detection signal according to the capacitance of the capacitor; A rotation information processing unit that performs processing for acquiring information related to rotation of the rotation operation unit based on a detection signal, and the rotation operation unit and the rotation operation unit when the rotation operation unit is pressed toward the base When the distance to the base changes and the pressure is released, the distance returns to before the press, and when the distance between the rotation operation unit and the base changes due to the press, the distance between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode Changes and the detection by the pressing Based on the change in the item, having a pressing processing unit that performs the rotation operation portion processing for acquiring information relating to the pressing of. The rotation operation part and the base each have a flat part perpendicular to the axial direction of rotation of the rotation operation part. When the rotation operation unit is pressed toward the base in a direction parallel to the axial direction, the distance between the plane part of the rotation operation unit and the plane part of the base changes, and the pressing is performed. When released, the distance between the flat portions returns to before the pressing. The fixed electrode is provided on the flat surface portion of the base, and the movable electrode is provided on the flat surface portion of the rotation operation portion. The input device is provided adjacent to the N sets of fixed electrode groups on the base, and the N sets of fixed electrode groups arranged in a circle at regular intervals around the rotation axis of the rotation operation unit, A drive electrode formed in an annular shape centering on the rotation axis and having a constant capacitance independent of the rotation of the rotation operation unit is formed between the movable electrode, and the drive electrode to have a driving unit for supplying a driving voltage. The fixed electrode groups, including the K-number the fixed electrode of equally spaced arcuately about said rotary shaft. In the K fixed electrodes included in the fixed electrode group, an i-th fixed electrode (i represents an integer from 1 to K) in a predetermined circumferential direction around the rotation axis. when the i-th fixed electrode, between the N-number of the i-th fixed electrode and the movable electrode included in said N sets of the fixed electrode groups, a capacitor with a common capacitance Ru are formed respectively . Wherein N sets of fixed electrodes is divided into M groups each consisting of consecutive plurality of the fixed electrodes aligned. The detection signal generating section, the first detection signal, second K detection signal corresponding to the first fixed electrode, second K fixed electrode, to generate for each of the M groups. The i-th detection signal generated for one group is formed between the plurality of i-th fixed electrodes and the movable electrode belonging to the group by supplying the driving voltage to the driving electrode. Ru signals der corresponding to the sum of the charges accumulated in the plurality of capacitors to be. The rotation information processing unit controls the driving unit to supply the driving voltage to the driving electrode, and the first detection generated for each of the M groups with the supply of the driving voltage. signal to based on the first K detection signal, to obtain information relating to the rotation. The pressing information processing unit controls the driving unit to supply the driving voltage to the driving electrode, and calculates a sum of the first detection signal to the Kth detection signal generated with the supply of the driving voltage. , Respectively, for the M groups, and based on the sum of the M calculated for the M groups, the pressure on the M areas on the base corresponding to the M groups the related information to get, respectively.
According to the above configuration, the information related to the rotation based on the first detection signal to the Kth detection signal generated for each of the M groups with the supply of the drive voltage to the drive electrode. Is acquired. In addition, the sum of the first detection signal to the Kth detection signal generated along with the supply of the drive voltage to the drive electrode is calculated for each of the M groups, and is calculated for the M groups. On the basis of the M sums, information related to the pressing to the M areas on the base corresponding to the M groups is acquired.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to detect a rotation operation and a pressing operation with a simple configuration that does not use a mechanical switch mechanism.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the surface of the input device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the back surface of the input device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the input device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a cut end view taken along line XX in FIG. 1. 4A shows the entire cut end face, and FIG. 4B shows an enlarged part of the cut end face. It is a one part enlarged perspective view of a rotation operation part. It is the perspective view which looked at the rotation operation part, the movable electrode, and the spacer sheet | seat from the back surface side. It is a figure which shows an example of the fixed electrode group and drive electrode in the input device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the overlap in the planar view of the fixed electrode group and movable electrode which were opposingly arranged. It is a figure which shows an example of the whole structure of the input device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the detection principle of the rotation operation in the input device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 10A is a graph showing how the detection signal changes with the rotation operation. FIG. 10B is a graph showing a state in which the difference between two detection signals indicating a change in reverse phase changes with a rotation operation. It is a figure for demonstrating the detection principle of the press operation in the input device which concerns on 1st Embodiment, and shows the case where the distance of a fixed electrode group and a movable electrode is comparatively far. FIG. 11A is a diagram schematically illustrating a group of fixed electrodes and a movable electrode arranged to face each other. FIG. 11B is a graph showing how the detection signal changes with the rotation operation. FIG. 11C is a graph showing a state in which the difference between two detection signals indicating a change in opposite phase changes with a rotation operation. It is a figure where it uses for description of the detection principle in pressing operation of the input device which concerns on 1st Embodiment, and shows the case where the distance of a fixed electrode group and a movable electrode is comparatively short. FIG. 12A is a diagram schematically showing the fixed electrode group and the movable electrode arranged to face each other. FIG. 12B is a graph showing how the detection signal changes in accordance with the rotation operation. FIG. 12C is a graph showing a state in which the difference between two detection signals indicating a change in reverse phase changes with a rotation operation. It is a figure which shows an example of the fixed electrode group and drive electrode in the input device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the whole structure of the input device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The input device according to the present embodiment can detect a rotation operation as a rotary encoder, for example, and can detect a pressing operation.

<First Embodiment>
First, the input device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of the front surface of the input device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the appearance of the back surface of the input device 1.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the appearance of the input device 1 has, for example, a thin rectangular shape. An appearance panel 3 is provided on the front side of the input device 1, and a substrate 4 is provided on the back side. In the appearance panel 3, for example, a circular opening 3a is formed. The dial part 22 of the rotation operation part 20 is exposed in the opening 3a.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the input device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cut end view taken along line XX of FIG. In FIG. 3, the fixed electrode group 50 formed on the substrate 4 is schematically illustrated.
As shown in FIG. 3, each component of the frame 10, the rotation operation unit 20, the movable electrode 30, and the spacer sheet 40 is provided between the appearance panel 3 and the substrate 4 in order from the surface side. . The fixed electrode group 50 formed on the substrate 4 faces the movable electrode 30 through the spacer sheet 40. Hereinafter, each component will be described in order.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the frame 10 is a generally rectangular plate member. The frame 10 is a member that maintains a gap between the outer appearance panel 3 and the substrate 4. A circular opening 10 a having an opening diameter larger than that of the opening 3 a of the outer appearance panel 3 is formed in the frame 10. The rotary operation unit 20 is rotatably accommodated in the opening 10a.
The appearance panel 3, the substrate 4, and the frame 10 constitute a base 5 of the input device 1, and the rotation operation unit 20 is rotatably held on the base 5.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of the rotation operation unit 20.
As shown in FIG. 5, the rotation operation unit 20 is a substantially disk-shaped member, and the diameter of the dial unit 22 for rotating with fingers and the circumference of the dial unit 22 is increased so that a plurality of arc portions are connected. And a flange portion 24 formed on the surface. The dial portion 22 is formed with a plurality of groove portions 23 in order to improve the finger grip. The rotation operation unit 20 rotates around the rotation shaft 21 (FIG. 4).

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the rotation operation unit 20, the movable electrode 30, and the spacer sheet 40 as viewed from the back side.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, a flat surface portion 25 perpendicular to the rotation shaft 21 is formed on the back surface of the rotation operation portion 20, and the movable electrode 30 is attached to the flat surface portion 25. The movable electrode 30 forms a capacitor between the fixed electrode group 50 formed on the substrate 4. The capacitance of this capacitor changes with the rotation of the rotary operation unit 20. The movable electrode 30 is a conductor plate formed in a ring shape. The inner edge portion 31 is formed in a circular shape, and the outer edge portion 32 is formed in a waveform having sinusoidal irregularities.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a spacer sheet 40 is interposed between the rotation operation unit 20 and the substrate 4. On the back surface of the rotation operation unit 20, four protrusions (26 to 29) are formed that form four concentric circles around the rotation shaft 21 and protrude toward the substrate 4. The diameter of the concentric circle is the smallest in the protruding portion 26 and increases in the order of the protruding portions 26, 27, 28, and 29. The flat portion 25 to which the movable electrode 30 is attached is located between the protruding portion 28 and the protruding portion 29. In a state in which no pressing force is applied to the rotation operation unit 20, the three inner projections (26 to 29) abut on the spacer sheet 40, but the outermost projection 29 is slightly away from the spacer sheet 40. Floating.

  The substrate 4 is an insulating plate having a substantially rectangular shape, and a fixed electrode group 50 is provided on a flat surface portion facing the rotation operation unit 20. The fixed electrode group 50 is, for example, a thin film of a conductor formed together with a printed wiring that connects an electronic circuit (a detection signal generation unit 60, a processing unit 70, a storage unit 80, and the like, which will be described later) on the planar portion of the substrate 4.

As shown in FIG. 4B, a gap 35 is formed between the fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 30 of the substrate 4 covered with the spacer sheet 40. When the rotation operation unit 20 is pressed toward the substrate 4, the gap 35 changes and the distance between the rotation operation unit 20 and the substrate 4 is shortened. That is, elastic deformation occurs in the rotary operation unit 20 that has received the pressing force, and the protruding portion 29 that floats slightly away from the spacer sheet 40 approaches toward the substrate 4. When the pressing of the rotation operation unit 20 is released, the protrusion 29 moves away from the substrate 4 due to the elastic force of the rotation operation unit 20, and the distance between the rotation operation unit 20 and the substrate 4 returns to before pressing. When the distance between the rotary operation unit 20 and the substrate 4 changes due to the pressing, the distance between the fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 30 provided on each plane changes, and as a result, a capacitor formed between them. The capacitance of changes. The input device 1 according to the present embodiment detects a pressing operation using the fact that the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 30 changes due to the pressing of the rotation operation unit 20. .
In the illustrated example, the rotation operation unit 20 is elastically deformed by pressing, but in another example of the present invention, the substrate may be elastically deformed, or both the rotation operation unit and the substrate are elastically deformed. Also good.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the fixed electrode group 50 in the input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 7, 16 sets of fixed electrode groups 50 are formed on the planar portion of the substrate 4 and arranged in a circle at regular intervals around the rotation shaft 21 of the rotation operation unit 20. One set of fixed electrode group 50 occupies an angle range of about 1/16 of one round.

Each fixed electrode group 50 includes four fixed electrodes (A, B, C, D) arranged at equal intervals in an arc shape around the rotation shaft 21 of the rotation operation unit 20. The fixed electrodes (A, B, C, D) have a substantially fan shape and occupy an angle range of approximately 1/64 of one round.
In the following description, in the four fixed electrodes (A, B, C, D) included in one set of fixed electrode group 50, the order in the clockwise circumferential direction of FIG. The i-th fixed electrode (i is an integer from 1 to 4) may be referred to as an “i-th fixed electrode”. That is, “A” in FIG. 7 is the “first fixed electrode”, “B” is the “second fixed electrode”, “C” is the “third fixed electrode”, and “D” is the “first fixed electrode”. 4 fixed electrodes ".

The first fixed electrode A, the second fixed electrode B, the third fixed electrode C, and the fourth fixed electrode D form capacitors having different capacitances with the movable electrode 30. The capacitances of these capacitors change as the rotary operation unit 20 rotates.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, drive electrodes 90 are provided inside the 16 sets of fixed electrode groups 50 arranged in a circle on the substrate 4 so as to be adjacent to the fixed electrode groups 50. The drive electrode 90 is formed in an annular shape around the rotation shaft 21 of the rotation operation unit 20 in the plane portion of the substrate 4. In the example of FIG. 7, the drive electrode 90 is divided into four regions: a first partial drive electrode E, a second partial drive electrode F, a third partial drive electrode G, and a fourth partial drive electrode H. Each partial drive electrode (E, F, G, H) has an arc shape. The capacitance of the capacitor formed between the movable electrode 30 and each partial drive electrode (E, F, G, H) is constant regardless of the rotation of the rotary operation unit 20.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an overlap in a plan view between the fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 30 that are arranged to face each other. In FIG. 8, for easy understanding, the edge of each electrode bent in an arc shape is shown in a state of extending linearly.
As shown in FIG. 8, the periodic sinusoidal waveform portion formed on the outer edge portion 32 of the movable electrode 30 overlaps with each fixed electrode (A to D) of the fixed electrode group 50 in plan view. ing. The capacitance of the capacitor formed between the fixed electrodes (A to D) and the movable electrode 30 is substantially proportional to the overlapping area in plan view. When the movable electrode 30 rotates according to the rotation operation, the position of the waveform of the outer edge portion 32 changes relative to the fixed electrode (A to D), and thus the fixed electrode (A to D) and the movable electrode 30 The area of the overlap changes, whereby the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the fixed electrode (A to D) and the movable electrode 30 changes.

An area corresponding to one cycle of the cyclic waveform portion of the movable electrode 30 occupies substantially the same angular range (1/16 of one round) as the one set of fixed electrode group 50, as shown in FIG. Yes. That is, the repetition cycle of the waveform of the outer edge portion 32 matches the repetition cycle of the fixed electrodes (A to D).
Accordingly, when focusing on one fixed electrode (A to D), the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode 30 changes in a sine wave shape as the rotation operation unit 20 rotates. . This electrostatic capacitance changes periodically for 16 cycles during one rotation of the rotary operation unit 20.
When attention is paid to the four fixed electrodes (A to D) included in the set of fixed electrodes 50, the capacitance of the capacitor formed between each fixed electrode (A to D) and the movable electrode 30 is as follows. As the rotation operation unit 20 rotates, it changes in a sinusoidal shape with different phases. For example, when the movable electrode 30 rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 8, the phase of the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the first fixed electrode A and the movable electrode 30 is the most advanced, and this phase is The first fixed electrode A, the second fixed electrode B, the third fixed electrode C, and the fourth fixed electrode D are delayed by 90 ° in this order.

As shown in FIG. 8, the 16th i-th fixed electrode (i represents an integer from 1 to 4) included in the 16 sets of fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 30 have an overlapping area in plan view. It will be almost the same. Therefore, capacitors having a common capacitance are formed between the 16th i-th fixed electrode and the movable electrode 30, respectively. That is, the 16 capacitors formed between the 16 first fixed electrodes A and the movable electrode 30 have substantially the same capacitance. The 16 capacitors formed between the 16 second fixed electrodes B and the movable electrode 30 have substantially the same capacitance. The 16 capacitors formed between the 16 third fixed electrodes C and the movable electrode 30 have substantially the same capacitance. The 16 capacitors formed between the 16 fourth fixed electrodes D and the movable electrode 30 have substantially the same capacitance.

  An annular drive electrode 90 composed of four partial drive electrodes (E, F, G, H) overlaps with the annular portion inside the movable electrode 30 in a plan view shown in FIG. The area of the overlap is constant regardless of the rotation of the rotation operation unit 20. Therefore, the capacitance of the capacitor formed between each partial drive electrode (E, F, G, H) and the movable electrode 30 is constant regardless of the rotation of the rotation operation unit 20.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the input device 1 according to the first embodiment.
In addition to the configuration described above, the input device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a detection signal generation unit 60, a processing unit 70, a storage unit 80, and a drive unit 100.

  The detection signal generation unit 60 generates a group of detection signals according to the capacitance of the group of capacitors formed between the 16 sets of fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 30. Specifically, the detection signal generation unit 60 includes 16 first detection signals SA corresponding to the capacitance of 16 capacitors formed between the 16 first fixed electrodes A and the movable electrode 30. The second detection signal SB corresponding to the capacitance of 16 capacitors formed between the second fixed electrode B and the movable electrode 30, and between the 16 third fixed electrodes C and the movable electrode 30. The third detection signal SC according to the capacitance of the 16 capacitors formed, and the capacitance of the 16 capacitors formed between the 16 fourth fixed electrodes D and the movable electrode 30. A corresponding fourth detection signal SD is generated.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the 16th i-th fixed electrodes (i is an integer from 1 to 4) are electrically connected by a wiring pattern formed on the substrate 4. That is, the 16 first fixed electrodes A are connected to the common wiring, the 16 second fixed electrodes B are connected to the common wiring, the 16 third fixed electrodes C are connected to the common wiring, Sixteen fourth fixed electrodes D are connected to a common wiring.

  When a predetermined drive voltage is supplied to the partial drive electrodes (E to H) by the drive unit 100 described later, the 16 capacitors formed between the 16th i-th fixed electrode and the movable electrode 30 include: Charges corresponding to the respective capacitances are accumulated. As described above, since these 16 capacitors have substantially the same capacitance, approximately 16 charges are accumulated in the 16 capacitors. The detection signal generation unit 60 generates a signal corresponding to the sum of charges accumulated in the 16 capacitors as the i-th detection signal (SA to SD).

  Specifically, the detection signal generation unit 60 is a signal corresponding to the capacitance of a capacitor formed between the partial drive electrodes (E to H) and the 16th i-th fixed electrodes via the movable electrode 30. Are generated as the i-th detection signal (SA to SD). This capacitor has a fixed capacitance formed between the partial drive electrodes (E to H) and the movable electrode 30, and a variable capacitance formed between the movable electrode 30 and the 16th i-th fixed electrodes. It is a composite capacitor in which a capacitor is connected in series. When a predetermined voltage change occurs in the composite capacitor due to the drive voltage supplied from the drive unit 100, the detection signal generation unit 60 detects the amount of change in the charge of the composite capacitor due to the predetermined voltage change, and the detection result Are generated as the i-th detection signal (SA to SD). Accordingly, the i-th detection signal (SA to SD) is periodically generated in accordance with the constant capacitance component (offset Ofs in FIG. 10A) regardless of the rotation of the rotation operation unit 20 and the rotation of the rotation operation unit 20. This is a signal obtained by adding the changing capacitance component.

  The detection signal generation unit 60 includes, for example, a capacitance-voltage conversion circuit (CV conversion circuit) and an AD conversion circuit that converts the output voltage into a digital signal.

  The drive unit 100 supplies a predetermined drive voltage to the four partial drive electrodes (E to H) constituting the drive electrode 90. When detecting the rotation angle of the rotation operation unit 20, the drive unit 100 supplies a drive voltage to all the partial drive electrodes (E to H). On the other hand, when detecting a pressing operation on the rotation operation unit 20, the drive unit 100 supplies a drive voltage to each of the partial drive electrodes (E to H).

  The processing unit 70 is a circuit that controls the overall operation of the input device 1, performs signal processing, and the like, and includes a computer that executes processing based on a program stored in the storage unit 80, for example. At least a part of the processing by the processing unit 70 may be performed by dedicated hardware (ASIC or the like).

  In the example of FIG. 9, the processing unit 70 includes a rotation information processing unit 71 that performs processing related to detection of a rotation operation, and a press information processing unit 72 that performs processing related to detection of a pressing operation.

  The rotation information processing unit 71 rotates based on a group of detection signals (first detection signal SA, second detection signal SB, third detection signal SC, and fourth detection signal SD) generated by the detection signal generation unit 60. A process for acquiring information related to the rotation of the operation unit 22 is performed. The rotation information processing unit 71 controls the driving unit 100 to supply a driving voltage to all the four partial driving electrodes (E to H), and the first detection signal SA generated along with the supply of the driving voltage. Based on the second detection signal SB, the third detection signal SC, and the fourth detection signal SD, information related to the rotation of the rotation operation unit 20 (for example, the rotation angle) is acquired. Note that the rotation information processing unit 71 may control the drive unit 100 so as to supply a drive voltage only to a part of the four partial drive electrodes (E to H).

  The pressing information processing unit 72 performs processing for acquiring information related to pressing of the rotation operation unit 20 based on a change in the detection signal of the detection signal generation unit 60 due to the rotation operation unit 20 being pressed toward the substrate 4. Do. Specifically, the press information processing unit 72 selects one partial drive electrode in order from the four partial drive electrodes (E, F, G, H), and supplies a drive voltage to the selected partial drive electrode. Thus, the drive unit 100 is controlled. Along with the supply of the drive voltage to one partial drive electrode, the detection signal generator 60 causes a group of detection signals (first detection signal SA, second detection signal SB, third detection signal SC, fourth detection signal SD). ) Is generated, the press information processing unit 72 calculates the sum (SA + SB + SC + SD) of these detection signals. Based on the calculated sum, the press information processing unit 72 acquires information related to the press on one area on the base 4 corresponding to one partial drive electrode to which the drive voltage is supplied. For example, the press information processing unit 72 determines whether or not an area on the base 4 is pressed based on a result of comparing a sum of a group of detection signals (SA + SB + SC + SD) with a predetermined threshold value.

Further, the press information processing unit 72 is a rotation operation unit in the press period based on the rotation information acquired by the rotation information processing unit 71 during the press period from when the start of the press is determined to when the end of the press is determined. The change amount of the rotation angle of 20 is calculated. When the calculated change amount of the rotation angle is smaller than the predetermined angle, the pressing information processing unit 72 determines that the pressing operation is performed in a state where the rotation of the rotation operation unit 20 is stopped. On the other hand, if the calculated change amount of the rotation angle is larger than the predetermined angle, the pressing information processing unit 72 determines that the pressing operation has been performed while the rotation operation unit 20 is rotated. For example, when it is determined that the pressing operation has been performed in a state where the rotation of the rotation operation unit 20 is stopped, the processing unit 70 considers that the normal pressing operation has been performed and executes a process according to the pressing operation. On the other hand, if it is determined that the pressing operation has been performed in a state where the rotation operation unit 20 is rotated, the processing unit 70 regards that the pressing operation unintended by the user has been performed, and does not perform a process corresponding to the pressing operation (the pressing operation). Ignore).
Thereby, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not it is an intentional pressing operation in a state where the rotation of the rotation operation unit 20 is stopped.

  Next, the detection of the rotation operation and the detection of the pressing operation in the input device 1 according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described.

(Detection of rotation operation)
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the detection principle of the rotation operation in the input device 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10A is a graph showing how the detection signals (SA, SB, SC, SD) change with the rotation operation. FIG. 10B is a graph showing a state in which the difference (SA-SC and SB-SD) between two detection signals indicating a change in reverse phase changes with a rotation operation.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, input is performed by rotating the dial portion 22 of the rotation operation unit 20 with fingers along the circumferential direction. When the rotation operation unit 20 rotates, the area of overlap between the movable electrode 30 and each fixed electrode (A to D) in a plan view (FIG. 8) changes, so that the movable electrode 30 and each fixed electrode (A to D) change. The capacitance of the capacitor formed between the two changes.

  When detecting a rotation operation, the drive unit 100 supplies, for example, the same drive voltage to all four partial drive electrodes (E to H). The four detection signals (SA, SB, SC, SD) generated by the detection signal generator 60 in accordance with the supply of the drive voltage are the four fixed electrodes (A to D) included in the fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 30. And a signal corresponding to the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the two. The four detection signals (SA, SB, SC, SD) are generally expressed by the following equations.

SA = K · cos (16θ) + Ofs (1)
SB = K · sin (16θ) + Ofs (2)
SC = −K · cos (16θ) + Ofs (3)
SD = −K · sin (16θ) + Ofs (4)

  Here, “θ” indicates a rotation angle of the rotation operation unit 20, “K” indicates a proportionality constant, and “Ofs” indicates an offset value. Since “16” is multiplied by “θ” in the above equation, it can be seen that 16 cycles of change occur in each detection signal (SA to SD) while the rotation operation unit 20 makes one rotation.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, a substantially common offset value Ofs is added to the four detection signals (SA, SB, SC, SD). Further, the four detection signals (SA, SB, SC, SD) are mutually different in phase by 90 ° or 180 °, and have different values.

  The difference “SA−SC” between the first detection signal SA and the third detection signal SC that are 180 degrees out of phase, and the difference “SB” between the second detection signal SB and the fourth detection signal SD that are 180 degrees out of phase. -SD "is represented by the following formula, respectively.

SA-SC = 2K · cos (16θ) (5)
SB-SD = 2K · sin (16θ) (6)

  As shown in FIG. 10B, the amplitudes of “SA-SC” and “SB-SD” are approximately twice the original detection signals (SA, SB, SC, SD).

From equations (5) and (6), “θ” is expressed by the following equation.
θ = (1/16) · Atan2 {(SA-SC), (SB-SD)} (7)

  The function “y = Atan 2 (a, b)” included in the expression (7) satisfies the arctangent function “Atan (b / a)”, and the range is determined based on the positive and negative of the variables a and b. Y which satisfies the condition of −π <y ≦ π is calculated.

The rotation information processing unit 71 determines the rotation direction of the rotation operation unit 20 based on the change in polarity and value of “SA-SC” represented by Expression (5) and “SB-SD” represented by Expression (6). judge.
Further, the rotation information processing unit 71 calculates the number of periodic changes that occur in the detection signal difference “SA-SC” (or “SB-SD”) by the rotation operation from the starting position, and the equation (7). Based on the calculated “θ”, the rotation angle of the rotation operation unit 20 from the starting position is calculated.

(Press operation detection)
Next, detection of a pressing operation on the rotation operation unit 20 will be described.
11 and 12 are diagrams for explaining the detection principle of the pressing operation in the input device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 shows a case where the distance between the fixed electrode group and the movable electrode is relatively long , and FIG. 12 shows a case where this distance is relatively close.

  As shown in FIGS. 4B and 7, a gap 35 is formed between the movable electrode 30 and the fixed electrode group 50. When the dial portion 22 of the rotation operation unit 20 is pressed toward the substrate 4, the rotation operation unit 20 is elastically deformed, the distance between the rotation operation unit 20 and the substrate 4 is shortened, and the gap 35 is narrowed. When the pressing on the rotation operation unit 20 is released, the rotation operation unit 20 is moved to the original position by the elastic force, and the distance is returned to before the pressing. When the distance between the rotation operation unit 20 and the substrate 4 changes in this way, the distance between the fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 40 changes, and the static electricity of the capacitor formed between the fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 40 changes. Since the capacitance changes, the four detection signals (SA, SB, SC, SD) generated by the detection signal generation unit 60 change. That is, the four detection signals (SA, SB, SC, SD) change according to the pressing operation on the rotation operation unit 20.

As shown in FIG. 11A, when the distance between the movable electrode 30 and the fixed electrode group 50 is relatively long, the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the electrodes is relatively small. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11B, the amplitudes of the four detection signals (SA, SB, SC, SD) generated by the detection signal generation unit 60 are reduced. In addition, as shown in FIG. 11C, the amplitude of the difference between detection signals (SA-SC, SB-SD) is also reduced.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12A, when the distance between the movable electrode 30 and the fixed electrode group 50 is relatively short, the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the electrodes becomes relatively large. Therefore, the amplitudes of the four detection signals (SA, SB, SC, SD) are large as shown in FIG. 12B, and the amplitudes of the detection signal differences (SA-SC, SB-SD) are large as shown in FIG. 12C. Become.
Therefore, based on the amplitudes of the four detection signals (SA, SB, SC, SD) generated by the detection signal generation unit 60, it is possible to determine whether or not the rotation operation unit 20 has been pressed.

  When detecting the pressing operation, the drive unit 100 selects one partial drive electrode in order from the four partial drive electrodes (E, F, G, H), and supplies a drive voltage to the selected partial drive electrode. To do. The pressing information processing unit 72 determines the presence or absence of the pressing operation based on the four detection signals (SA, SB, SC, SD) generated with the supply of the driving voltage. For example, when the sum of four detection signals (SA + SB + SC + SD) exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the press information processing unit 72 generates an area on the base 4 corresponding to one partial drive electrode to which the drive voltage is supplied. It is determined that a pressing operation has been performed. The pressure information processing unit 72 is based on a comparison between the sum of four detection signals (SA + SB + SC + SD) and a threshold value each time a drive voltage is supplied to each of the four partial drive electrodes (E, F, G, H). The presence / absence of a pressing operation is determined.

  In addition, since how to apply force when operating the dial portion 22 of the rotation operation unit 20 with fingers varies depending on individuals, if the threshold value for the pressure determination described above is low, the rotation operation is erroneously determined as a press operation. May be easier. Therefore, the pressing information processing unit 72 determines whether or not the pressing operation is in a stopped state according to the rotation angle of the rotation operation unit 20 during the period in which it is determined that the pressing operation has been performed. That is, the press information processing unit 72 determines the rotation operation unit in the press period based on the rotation information acquired by the rotation information processing unit 71 during the press period from when the start of the press is determined until the end of the press is determined. The amount of change of the rotation angle of 20 is calculated, and when the calculated amount of change of the rotation angle is smaller than the predetermined angle, it is determined that the pressing operation is performed in a state where the rotation of the rotation operation unit 20 is stopped. As a result, it is possible to discriminate between an intentional pressing operation in a state where the rotation of the rotation operation unit 20 is stopped and other operations, and it is possible to reduce cases where the rotating operation is erroneously determined as a pressing operation.

  As described above, according to the input device 1 according to this embodiment, when the rotation operation unit 20 is pressed toward the substrate 4, the distance between the rotation operation unit 20 and the substrate 4 is changed by the pressing, The distance between the fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 30 changes. As a result, the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 30 changes, so that the detection signal changes. In addition, when the pressure on the rotation operation unit 20 is released, the distance between the fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 30 returns to before pressing, so that the detection signal changed by pressing returns to the state before pressing. That is, the detection signal changes according to the presence or absence of pressing. In the press information processing part 72, the process which acquires the information regarding the press of the rotation operation part 20 based on the change of the detection signal by this press is performed. Accordingly, since it is possible to acquire information related to pressing of the rotation operation unit 20 without providing additional components such as a switch mechanism, both rotation operation and pressing operation can be detected with a simple configuration.

Further, according to the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, the plane portion of the substrate 4 provided with the fixed electrode group 50 and the plane portion 25 of the rotation operation unit 20 provided with the movable electrode 30 are both rotating shafts. Since it is perpendicular to the direction of 21, even if the plane portion of the substrate 4 and the plane portion 25 of the rotation operation unit 20 are brought close to each other, the rotation of the rotation operation unit 20 with respect to the substrate 4 is not hindered. That is, the thickness of the outer shape of the input device 1 in the direction of the rotation shaft 21 of the rotation operation unit 20 can be reduced.
In addition, the distance between the fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 30 is shortened by bringing the plane portion of the substrate 4 and the plane portion 25 of the rotation operation unit 20 closer, and the capacitance of the capacitor formed between them is reduced. growing. That is, it is possible to increase the capacitance of the capacitor while reducing the outer shape of the input device 1, and to increase the sensitivity of the detection signals (SA to SD) generated by the detection signal generator 60. it can.
Furthermore, since the area of the flat part of the board | substrate 4 and the rotation operation part 20 can be expanded without preventing thickness reduction of the input device 1, the area of the fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 30 can be enlarged. As a result, the capacitance of the capacitor can be further increased, and the sensitivity of the detection signals (SA to SD) can be increased.
In addition, when the planar portion of the substrate 4 and the planar portion 25 of the rotary operation unit 20 approach each other due to the thinning of the outer shape of the input device 1, even if the distance between the fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 30 slightly changes, The capacitance changes greatly. That is, the change in the detection signal (SA to SD) with respect to the pressure increases. Therefore, the detection sensitivity of the pressing operation can be increased.

  Further, according to the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, at least one of the rotation operation unit 20 and the substrate 4 is elastically deformed by a pressing operation, so that the plane portion of the substrate 4 and the plane portion 25 of the rotation operation unit 20 are The distance changes according to the pressing force, and thereby the detection signals (SA to SD) change according to the pressing force. Therefore, it is possible to detect the pressing force on the rotation operation unit 20 with a simple configuration.

  Further, according to the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, the static capacitance of the four capacitors formed between the four fixed electrodes (A, B, C, D) constituting the fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 30. The capacitances are different from each other, and four detection signals (SA to SD) corresponding to the capacitances of the four capacitors are generated in the detection signal generation unit 60. In the pressing information processing unit 72, information related to pressing to the rotation operation unit 20 is acquired based on the sum of the four detection signals (SA to SD). When the sum of the four detection signals (SA to SD) is calculated, changes in the individual detection signals (SA to SD) accompanying the pressing operation are added to the calculation result, so that a large change accompanying the pressing operation appears. Therefore, based on the calculation result of the sum, information related to pressing on the rotation operation unit 20 can be acquired with high sensitivity.

  Moreover, according to the input device 1 which concerns on this embodiment, when pressing operation is determined in the press information processing part 72, it rotates in the press period from the time of determining the end of a press to the time of determining the end of a press. Based on the rotation information acquired by the information processing unit 71, the amount of change in the rotation angle of the rotation operation unit 20 during the pressing period is calculated. Then, when the calculated change amount of the rotation angle is smaller than the predetermined angle, it is determined that the pressing operation is performed in a state where the rotation of the rotation operation unit 20 is stopped. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not an intentional pressing operation has been performed in a state where the rotation of the rotation operation unit 20 is stopped.

  Further, according to the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, even if the amplitude of the detection signal (SA to SD) is changed by the pressing operation, the rotation angle “θ” is detected by the detection signal (7) as shown in Expression (7). Since it is calculated based on the ratio of (SA to SD), it is possible to obtain an accurate rotation angle without being affected by the pressing operation.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, an input device 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the input device 1 described above, a pressing operation to a plurality of parts is detected by dividing the drive electrode 90 into a plurality of partial drive electrodes (E to H), but in the input device 2 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of press operations are detected. By dividing the fixed electrode group 50 into a plurality of groups, pressing operations to a plurality of parts are detected.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the fixed electrode group 50 and the drive electrode 290 in the input device 2 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the input device 2 according to the second embodiment.
In the input device 2 according to the present embodiment, the drive electrode 90 (FIG. 7) in the input device 1 described above is replaced with the drive electrode 290 (FIG. 13), and the drive unit 100 (FIG. 9) is replaced with the drive unit 100A (FIG. 14). Replacement, the detection signal generation unit 60 (FIG. 9) is replaced with a detection signal generation unit 60A (FIG. 14), and the rotation information processing unit 71 (FIG. 9) is replaced with a rotation information processing unit 71A (FIG. 14). Other configurations are the same as those of the input device 1. Below, it demonstrates centering on a different structure from the input device 1. FIG.

  The drive electrode 290 is provided adjacent to the inner side of the 16 sets of fixed electrode groups 50 arranged at equal intervals in a circular shape on the substrate 4, and is formed in an annular shape centering on the rotation shaft 21. In the example of FIG. 13, the drive electrode 290 has an annular shape in which the drive electrode 90 shown in FIG. 7 is integrated without being divided into four. The capacitance of the capacitor formed between the drive electrode 290 and the movable electrode 30 has a certain capacitance that does not depend on the rotation of the rotary operation unit 20.

  The drive unit 100A supplies a predetermined drive voltage to the drive electrode 290 according to the control of the processing unit 70.

  As shown in FIG. 13, 16 sets of fixed electrode groups 50 arranged in a circle are divided into four groups 51, 52, 53, and 54 each consisting of four sets of fixed electrode groups 50 arranged in series. .

  Four i-th fixed electrodes (i represents an integer from 1 to 4) belonging to the same group (51 to 54) are electrically connected by a wiring pattern formed on the substrate 4 as shown in FIG. Connected to. That is, four first fixed electrodes A belonging to the same group are connected to a common wire, and four second fixed electrodes B belonging to the same group are connected to a common wire, and 4 belonging to the same group. The third fixed electrodes C are connected to the common wiring, and the four fourth fixed electrodes D belonging to the same group are connected to the common wiring.

  The detection signal generation unit 60A includes four detection signals corresponding to the four fixed electrodes (first fixed electrode A, second fixed electrode B, third fixed electrode C, and fourth fixed electrode D) constituting the fixed electrode group 50. (First detection signal SA, second detection signal SB, third detection signal SC, and fourth detection signal SD) are generated for each of the four groups 51, 52, 53, and 54 described above.

  The i-th detection signals (SA to SD) generated by the detection signal generation unit 60A for one group (51 to 54) belong to the one group (51 to 54) by supplying the drive voltage to the drive electrode 290. This is a signal corresponding to the sum of charges accumulated in four capacitors formed between the four i-th fixed electrodes and the movable electrode 30.

  For example, the detection signal generator 60A includes a first detection signal generator 61 that generates four detection signals (SA to SD) corresponding to the group 51 and four detection signals corresponding to the group 52, as shown in FIG. The second detection signal generation unit 61 that generates (SA to SD), the third detection signal generation unit 63 that generates four detection signals (SA to SD) corresponding to the group 53, and the four detection signals corresponding to the group 54 It has the 4th detection signal production | generation part 64 which produces | generates a detection signal (SA-SD). The operations of the first detection signal generation unit 61 to the fourth detection signal generation unit 64 are the same as those of the detection signal generation unit 60 described above, except that the number of the fixed electrode groups 50 is changed from 16 sets to 4 sets. It is.

  The rotation information processing unit 71A controls the driving unit 100 to supply a driving voltage to the driving electrode 290, and the four information generated for each of the four groups (51 to 54) with the supply of the driving voltage. Based on the detection signals (SA to SD), information related to rotation is acquired. For example, the rotation information processing unit 71A adds the four first detection signals SA generated for the four groups (51 to 54), and the four second detection signals SB generated for the four groups (51 to 54). The sum of the four third detection signals SC generated for the four groups (51 to 54) and the sum of the four fourth detection signals SD generated for the four groups (51 to 54), respectively. calculate. The rotation information processing unit 71A regards the calculated four sums as the four detection signals (SA to SD) by the detection signal generation unit 60 (FIG. 9) described above, and the rotation information processing unit 71 (FIG. Information related to the rotation of the rotation operation unit 20 is acquired by the same processing as 9).

  The pressure information processing unit 72A controls the driving unit 100 so as to supply a driving voltage to the driving electrode 290, and the sum of the first detection signal SA to the fourth detection signal SD (with the supply of the driving voltage) ( (SA + SB + SC + SD) is calculated for each of the four groups (51 to 54). The information processing unit 72A obtains information related to pressing on four regions on the substrate 4 corresponding to the four groups, based on the four sums (SA + SB + SC + SD) calculated for the four groups (51 to 54). To do. For example, the pressure information processing unit 72A compares the four sums (SA + SB + SC + SD) calculated for the four groups (51 to 54) with predetermined threshold values, and corresponds to the four groups based on the comparison result. The presence or absence of a pressing operation on the four areas on the substrate 4 is determined.

  According to the input device 2 according to the second embodiment, the 16 fixed electrode groups 50 are divided into four groups (51 to 54), and the four groups generated for each of the four groups (51 to 54). Based on the detection signals (SA to SD), information on pressing operations for the four regions on the substrate 4 corresponding to the four groups (51 to 54) is acquired. Therefore, it is not necessary to sequentially supply drive voltages to the partial drive electrodes (E to H) as in the input device 1 according to the second embodiment, and information on pressing operations in the four regions can be acquired at one time. It is possible to shorten the time required for acquiring information related to pressing.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above.
That is, those skilled in the art may make various modifications, combinations, subcombinations, and alternatives regarding the components of the above-described embodiments within the technical scope of the present invention or an equivalent scope thereof.

  For example, the number of fixed electrode groups and the number of fixed electrodes included in the fixed electrode group given as examples in the above-described embodiments are arbitrary, and the present invention is not limited to this example. The number of fixed electrode groups may be one, or the number of fixed electrodes may be only one. Further, the detectable rotation may be less than one rotation (the rotation angle range is less than 360 °).

  In addition, the shape and arrangement of the fixed electrode, the movable electrode, the drive electrode, and the like given as examples in the above-described embodiment are arbitrary, and the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, in the example of the embodiment described above, the drive electrode is located inside the fixed electrode, but the drive electrode may be located outside the fixed electrode.

  In the embodiment described above, the capacitance is detected by a mutual capacitance method in which an electrode (fixed electrode) and a drive electrode for detecting charges accumulated in the capacitance are independently provided. The present invention is not limited to this example. In another embodiment of the present invention, the capacitance may be detected by a self-capacitance method that does not require a drive electrode. In this case, the movable electrode is connected to a constant potential (for example, ground).

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 ... Input device, 3 ... Appearance panel, 4 ... Substrate, 5 ... Base, 10 ... Frame, 20 ... Rotation operation part, 25 ... Planar part, 30 ... Movable electrode, 50 ... Fixed electrode group, 51-54 ... group of fixed electrodes, A, B, C, D ... fixed electrodes, 60, 60A ... detection signal generation unit, 70 ... processing unit, 71, 71A ... rotation information processing unit, 72, 72A ... pressure information processing unit, 90 ... Drive electrodes, E, F, G, H ... Partial drive electrodes, 100, 100A ... Drive units, SA, SB, SC, SD ... Detection signals.

Claims (5)

The base,
A rotation operation unit rotatably held on the base;
A fixed electrode provided on the base;
A movable electrode provided in the rotation operation unit, wherein a capacitance of a capacitor formed between the fixed operation and the fixed electrode is changed with rotation of the rotation operation unit;
A detection signal generation unit that generates a detection signal according to the capacitance of the capacitor;
A rotation information processing unit that performs processing for acquiring information related to rotation of the rotation operation unit based on the detection signal;
When the rotation operation unit is pressed toward the base, the distance between the rotation operation unit and the base changes, and when the pressing is released, the distance returns to before the pressing,
When the distance between the rotation operation unit and the base changes due to the pressing, the distance between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode changes,
Based on the change of the detection signal according to the pressing, have a press information processing unit that performs a process of acquiring information relating to the pressing of the rotating operation unit,
The press information processing unit is configured to perform the press in the press period based on the rotation information acquired by the rotation information processing unit during a press period from when the start of the press is determined to when the end of the press is determined. A change amount of the rotation angle of the rotation operation unit is calculated, and when the calculated change amount of the rotation angle is smaller than a predetermined angle, it is determined that the pressing operation is performed in a state where the rotation of the rotation operation unit is stopped. An input device. The rotation operation part and the base each have a plane part perpendicular to the axial direction of rotation of the rotation operation part,
When the rotation operation unit is pressed toward the base in a direction parallel to the axial direction, the distance between the plane part of the rotation operation unit and the plane part of the base changes, and the pressing is performed. When the distance is released, the distance between the flat portions returns before the pressing,
The fixed electrode is provided on the planar portion of the base,
The movable electrode is al provided in the flat portion of the rotation operating part,
Having at least one set of fixed electrodes composed of a plurality of the fixed electrodes, each of which has a different capacitance from the movable electrode.
The detection signal generation unit generates a group of the detection signals according to a capacitance of a group of capacitors formed between the fixed electrode group and the movable electrode,
The rotation information processing unit acquires information related to the rotation based on the group of detection signals,
The press information processing unit calculates a sum of the detection signals of the group, acquires information related to the press based on the sum,
The input device according to claim 1, wherein the press information processing unit determines the presence or absence of the press based on a result of comparing a sum of the group of detection signals with a predetermined threshold value . The input device according to claim 2, wherein when the rotation operation unit is pressed toward the base, at least one of the rotation operation unit and the base is elastically deformed. The base,
A rotation operation unit rotatably held on the base;
A fixed electrode provided on the base;
A movable electrode provided in the rotation operation unit, wherein a capacitance of a capacitor formed between the fixed operation and the fixed electrode is changed with rotation of the rotation operation unit;
A detection signal generation unit that generates a detection signal according to the capacitance of the capacitor;
A rotation information processing unit that performs processing for acquiring information related to rotation of the rotation operation unit based on the detection signal;
When the rotation operation unit is pressed toward the base, the distance between the rotation operation unit and the base changes, and when the pressing is released, the distance returns to before the pressing,
When the distance between the rotation operation unit and the base changes due to the pressing, the distance between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode changes,
Based on a change in the detection signal due to the pressing, having a pressing information processing unit that performs processing for acquiring information related to the pressing of the rotation operation unit;
The rotation operation part and the base each have a plane part perpendicular to the axial direction of rotation of the rotation operation part,
When the rotation operation unit is pressed toward the base in a direction parallel to the axial direction, the distance between the plane part of the rotation operation unit and the plane part of the base changes, and the pressing is performed. When the distance is released, the distance between the flat portions returns before the pressing,
The fixed electrode is provided on the planar portion of the base,
The movable electrode is provided on the plane portion of the rotation operation unit,
N groups of the fixed electrodes arranged in a circle at regular intervals around the rotation axis of the rotation operation unit;
A drive electrode provided adjacent to the N sets of fixed electrode groups on the base and formed in an annular shape centering on the rotation axis;
A drive unit for supplying a drive voltage to the drive electrode;
The fixed electrode group includes K fixed electrodes arranged in a circular arc shape at equal intervals around the rotation axis,
In the K fixed electrodes included in the fixed electrode group, an i-th fixed electrode (i represents an integer from 1 to K) in a predetermined circumferential direction around the rotation axis. In the case of the i-th fixed electrode, capacitors having a common capacitance are respectively formed between the N i-th fixed electrodes and the movable electrode included in the N sets of fixed electrodes.
The drive electrode is divided into a plurality of partial drive electrodes,
The capacitance of the capacitor formed between the movable electrode and the partial drive electrode is constant regardless of the rotation of the rotation operation unit,
The detection signal generation unit generates a first detection signal to a Kth detection signal corresponding to the first fixed electrode to the Kth fixed electrode,
The i-th detection signal is a sum of charges accumulated in N capacitors formed between the N i-th fixed electrodes and the movable electrodes by supplying the drive voltage to the partial drive electrodes. Is a signal according to
The rotation information processing unit controls the driving unit to supply the driving voltage common to some or all of the plurality of partial driving electrodes, and the first information generated in response to the supply of the driving voltage. Obtaining information on the rotation based on the detection signal to the Kth detection signal;
The pressing information processing unit selects one partial drive electrode in order from the plurality of partial drive electrodes, controls the drive unit to supply the drive voltage to the selected partial drive electrode, and drives the drive The sum of the first detection signal to the Kth detection signal generated with the supply of voltage is calculated, and based on the sum, the one area on the base corresponding to the one partial drive electrode is calculated. An input device characterized by acquiring information related to pressing. The base,
A rotation operation unit rotatably held on the base;
A fixed electrode provided on the base;
A movable electrode provided in the rotation operation unit, wherein a capacitance of a capacitor formed between the fixed operation and the fixed electrode is changed with rotation of the rotation operation unit;
A detection signal generation unit that generates a detection signal according to the capacitance of the capacitor;
A rotation information processing unit that performs processing for acquiring information related to rotation of the rotation operation unit based on the detection signal;
When the rotation operation unit is pressed toward the base, the distance between the rotation operation unit and the base changes, and when the pressing is released, the distance returns to before the pressing,
When the distance between the rotation operation unit and the base changes due to the pressing, the distance between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode changes,
Based on a change in the detection signal due to the pressing, having a pressing information processing unit that performs processing for acquiring information related to the pressing of the rotation operation unit;
The rotation operation part and the base each have a plane part perpendicular to the axial direction of rotation of the rotation operation part,
When the rotation operation unit is pressed toward the base in a direction parallel to the axial direction, the distance between the plane part of the rotation operation unit and the plane part of the base changes, and the pressing is performed. When the distance is released, the distance between the flat portions returns before the pressing,
The fixed electrode is provided on the planar portion of the base,
The movable electrode is provided on the plane portion of the rotation operation unit,
N groups of the fixed electrodes arranged in a circle at regular intervals around the rotation axis of the rotation operation unit;
A capacitor provided on the base adjacent to the N sets of fixed electrodes, formed in an annular shape centering on the rotation axis, and having a constant capacitance independent of rotation of the rotation operation unit. A drive electrode formed between the movable electrode;
A drive unit for supplying a drive voltage to the drive electrode;
The fixed electrode group includes K fixed electrodes arranged in a circular arc shape at equal intervals around the rotation axis,
In the K fixed electrodes included in the fixed electrode group, an i-th fixed electrode (i represents an integer from 1 to K) in a predetermined circumferential direction around the rotation axis. In the case of the i-th fixed electrode, capacitors having a common capacitance are respectively formed between the N i-th fixed electrodes and the movable electrode included in the N sets of fixed electrodes.
The N sets of fixed electrode groups are divided into M groups each including a plurality of the fixed electrode groups arranged in series,
The detection signal generation unit generates a first detection signal to a Kth detection signal corresponding to the first fixed electrode to the Kth fixed electrode for each of the M groups,
The i-th detection signal generated for one group is formed between the plurality of i-th fixed electrodes and the movable electrode belonging to the group by supplying the driving voltage to the driving electrode. Is a signal corresponding to the sum of charges accumulated in a plurality of capacitors,
The rotation information processing unit controls the driving unit to supply the driving voltage to the driving electrode, and the first detection generated for each of the M groups with the supply of the driving voltage. Based on the signal to the Kth detection signal, information related to the rotation is acquired,
The pressing information processing unit controls the driving unit to supply the driving voltage to the driving electrode, and calculates a sum of the first detection signal to the Kth detection signal generated with the supply of the driving voltage. , Respectively, for the M groups, and based on the sum of the M calculated for the M groups, the pressure on the M areas on the base corresponding to the M groups An input device characterized by acquiring each related information.